Understanding Celiac Disease

According to a study by the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research, celiac disease potentially affects 1 in every 133 people in the United States and is one of the most under-diagnosed common diseases today. Celiac Disease, or gluten intolerance, is a digestive disorder that damages the small intestine and inhibits the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. The disease is primarily genetic. Individuals with celiac disease may experience a variety of symptoms. Most common are diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, anemia, chronic fatigue, weakness, bone pain, and muscle cramps, but because these symptoms are so common and varied, celiac disease is often misdiagnosed.

The known culprit of celiac disease is gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and other grains. The only known way to alleviate the symptoms of celiac disease is to completely eliminate gluten from the diet. Down to Earth carries a variety of gluten-free foods, making it easier for those with gluten intolerance to maintain a healthy diet.